Scalloped Cabbage And Ham
Creamy scalloped cabbage and ham combine tender cabbage, sharp cheese, and savory ham in a comforting baked dish, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 6 cups finely shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 cups boiling salted water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion
- 2 cups diced precooked ham ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook cabbage, covered, in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan; blend in flour, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually stir in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and boils.
- Add grated cheese and grated onion; cook until cheese melts.
- Place drained cabbage in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Add diced ham and pour the sauce over all.
- Mix well with a fork and top with toasted bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of garlic powder to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the cabbage with kale or collard greens for a different texture. If you don’t have sharp Cheddar, a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can work well, too. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scalloped cabbage and ham as a hearty main dish alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or rolls, making it a great option for family dinners. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of Easy Split Pea Soup(Microwave) to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to prevent drying out, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Cabbage And Ham contains roughly 1422 calories, with 32g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2470mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make scalloped cabbage and ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through completely.
What other meats can I use instead of ham?
You can substitute the ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is precooked and diced to maintain the recipe's integrity and cooking time.
Can I freeze scalloped cabbage and ham?
Freezing is possible, but it may alter the texture of the cabbage. If you choose to freeze, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and expect some texture change.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).